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Cannon, musket firing among Armory Day 2014 highlights

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Members of the Battery B of the first Rhode Island Light Artillery Stephen Hackett, left, rams the ball in the cannon under the supervision of Andy Cournoyer during a cannon firing demonstration at a past Civil War Encampment at the Armory National Historic Site. (The Republican file photo)

The Springfield National Armory Historic Site in Springfield is bringing attention to how the local armory provided American infantrymen with the weapons they needed at a special event on Saturday.

Armory Day is to experience the site and its history. Springfield Armory firearms manufacture was indispensable for over 170 years,” said Joanne M. Gangi-Wellman, chief of interpretation at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.

Civil War Cannon and Rifle Fire – All the sights and sounds of war can be experienced during blank firing demonstrations at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., when visitors can see and smell the acrid gun smoke and hear the deafening blasts of cannon and rifles fire. “Our firing demonstrations, while exciting for many, are completely out of the ordinary. Everyone, especially kids, need to know the circumstances under which such firings were taking place with soldiers putting their lives on the line during battle,” said said Gangi-Wellman.

Military War Encampments – Military encampments of “living historians” will provide an opportunity for visitors to mingle and converse with reenactors who can explain how weapons affected the outcome of battles during the Civil War. Many reenactors will be accompanied by their reenactor families, who will portray how civilians helped their soldier husbands and communities during the war. Gangi-Wellman said she is excited that this year’s military encampment expands beyond just the Civil War to include the War of 1812, World War I, World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. “The wider timeline lets people know that we were here for all these wars, that we were a national armory for the whole country, and that we made more than black powder weapons,” she said.

Civil War Music and Dance – At 12:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy the merriment and excitement of a Civil War-era ballroom created by the Victorian Quadrille Orchestra along with 12 performers from the Small Planet Dancers. Dressed in period costumes, the dancers will perform popular steps of the time such as the Virginia Reel. The program will also include the Grand March which members of the audience can participate. “This fun event brings a different eye on history to those attending our special day who might not be quite as historic-minded as others, and who can enjoy music and dancing offering a different glimpse in historic times,” said Gangi-Wellman.

Visitors can enter the Springfield Armory through the State Street gate or the gate at the intersection of State and Byers streets. Both gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is the location of the nation’s first armory established George Washington and includes historic grounds, buildings and the world’s largest historic American military firearms collection.

In the event of rain, the event will be cancelled. For more information about weather cancellation, call (413) 734-8551 or visit www.nps.gov/spar